We are interested in genetic programs and mutations, which impact on tumor development and sensitivity to anticancer therapies, in particular cellular senescence, apoptosis and autophagy. Utilizing transgenic mouse models, we generate primary lymphomas with defined genetic lesions (by intercrossing cancer-prone transgenics to knockout mice, and by retroviral gene transfer into established lymphoma cells or hematopoietic stem cells). These tumors are transplantable and undergo anticancer treatment at their natural sites. Using this tractable system, which recapitulates typical features of human Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, we study genetic, biochemical and metabolic effects of oncogenic action and drug responses in vivo. Moreover, we are particularly interested in cancer stemness and plasticity/transdifferentiation. Using murine and human model platforms, we seek to identify cancer vulnerabilities for conceptually novel therapeutic strategies.

Our transgenic mouse lymphoma models are ideally suited to study molecular mechanisms of treatment resistance, and to identify and validate novel treatments. We particularly utilize modern “omics” (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) technologies and functional analyses (including stable, shRNA/cDNA-based genetic interrogation).

For information in greater detail please see, for example, Schmitt-CA et al., Nature Med. (2000), Schmitt-CA et al., Cancer Cell (2002), Schmitt-CA et al., Cell (2002), Braig-M et al., Nature (2005), Reimann-M et al., Cancer Cell (2010), Jing-H et al., Genes Dev. (2011), and Dörr-JR et al., Nature (2013). Our study group is co-affiliated with the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology at the Charité - University Medical Center (Humboldt University and Free University) and the distinguished Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin – both just forming a new institutional alliance, the systems medicine-focused “Berlin Institute of Health”. Moreover, we are partner in the interdisciplinary German Cancer Consortium (GCC) for Translational Cancer Research, the International Graduate Program “Berlin School of Integrative Oncology (BSIO)” and the “Preclinical Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC)” mouse models network. Berlin is the place to conduct innovative and interdisciplinary research, provides a very international environment and high life quality, and is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.

REQUIREMENTS

Join our highly motivated team if you are interested in omics-based approaches and novel strategies to dissect treatment- and outcome-relevant signaling modules in cellular senescence. You hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, and you are familiar with all basic techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry and histology (i.e. cloning, analyses of proteins and DNA/RNA, cell culture, and immunohistochemistry).  Expertise in any of the following is preferred: genome-wide screens, RNA interference, retroviral/lentiviral vector design, inducible gene expression systems, CRISPR/Cas9, proteomics/metabolomics, cellular bioenergetics, molecular, cellular or organismic imaging, work with immunocompromised mice, generation of transgenics/knockout mice, or analysis of large data sets and mathematical modeling approaches. Lab communication is in English. Please send your CV including a list of publications and two references/letters of recommendation to Prof. Dr. Clemens A. Schmitt, M.D.

Salary: Charité TV E13
Open from: now
Type of employment: Full Time